Read the Corfu island guide overview
Corfu Island—also called Kerkyra—in the Ionian Sea is ideal for travellers seeking either active or inactive holidays. So-called Emerald Island features many organized sandy and pebble beaches in the lush environment and places you should visit. Thus, it's not surprising that it is one of the top tourist destinations in Greece. And Top Travel and Tours' Corfu guide will show you what the island's best beaches and attractions are.
Corfu Island Guide—Short Beaches Overview
Corfu, the northernmost main Greek island in the Ionian Sea, teems with charming beaches. As a result, you will always have at least a handful of them at hand wherever your holiday base is. And most Corfu beaches are organized, with restaurants, villas, hotels, and resorts nearby.
Also, here's something else you may wish to know.
The island is hilly, with Mount Pantokrator (906 m/2,972 ft) in the north dominating its skyline. Hence, it features a rugged coastline with quite a few tiny bays with rocky cliffs flanking its sandy and pebble beaches. In general, you'll find the finest of those on the northwestern coast.
Top Three Kerkyra Beaches (Glyfada and Barbati Included)
For a broader overview of the top Kerkyra beaches, please refer to the link below. Here, we'll mention a few most popular ones:
- Glyfada, located near the Pelekas village in the west, is a long stretch of sand edged by high forested hills. It faces the open sea, which, therefore, brings big waves from time to time.
- Barbati, on the other hand, faces a strait between Corfu and the mainland. So, there's a higher chance that you'll find peaceful waters washing its pebble shore.
- Paleokastritsa in the northwest features several bays with beaches. Also, a namesake monastery tops one of two verdant hills flanking Agios Spiridon beach. Holiday homes, taverns, and a few parking lots are available along the seaside.
Can I Swim or Dive Anywhere Near Corfu Town?
Finally, Corfu Town, the island's capital, has its beaches, if you decide to stay there. Yet, these are small, with a tendency to become crowded. So, consider travelling to Dassia or Gouvia north of the city or Perama to the south. Usually, you should get to either in 20 minutes or so by car.
Corfu Guide: Top Places to Visit (A Brief Overview)
There are many tourist attractions and places to visit all over Kerkyra. Some of them are historical, while others are cultural or entertaining. So, this Ionian Sea island is the right destination for you if you like sightseeing during your trip.
Unsurprisingly, you'll find a fair share of the top attractions in Corfu Town. Nonetheless, those scattered throughout the island are worth both time and effort. While we'll mention a few here, you can find more details about Corfu things to do at the respective link below.
Corfu (Old) Town Top Attractions and Points of Interest
- Old Fortress is a top Kerkyra attraction, commissioned by the Byzantines in the 8th century. Occupying a small, hilly cape jutting out into the sea, it dominates the city skyline, offering great views. Today, the stronghold features facilities built during the British rule of the island in the 19th century.
- Spianada, also known as Esplanade, is a square located between the Old Fortress and the rest of Old Corfu Town. Popular cafe bars, restaurants, and Venetian buildings line the square featuring lush greenery.
- Museum of Asian Art occupies a neoclassical palace in the northern part of Spianada. It presents works of art from China, Japan, and India. Samurai weapons and armour, statues of Buddha, items made of semi-precious stones, and carvings are some exhibits.
- Agios (Saint) Spyridon is a 16th-century Venetian-looking church with a red-roof tower. It shelters the holy relic of the Corfu's patron saint, who, as believed, saved the island from various disasters in the past. Moreover, the church's roof, featuring 17 sections decorated with gold, is another highlight.
Most Popular Kerkyra Sites Among Visitors Islandwide
- Achilleion is a palace south of Corfu Town featuring a verdant garden full of statues. The estate's many works of art revolve around the power and the death of Achillies, one of the main protagonists of Homer's Illiad. Besides Triumphant Achillies and Wounded Achillies statues in the garden, pay special attention to the ceiling in the reception hall.
- Canal d'Amour in Sidari is a natural marvel of Kerkyra Island. It is a group of rocky coves with horizontal stripes sculpted by the sea and wind. Also, there's a saying that if couples swim among its rocks, they'll marry soon.
- Aqualand Water Park is an attractive family amusement park located west of the island's capital. If you are a thrill-seeker, for instance, check out Kamikazes and Double Twisters slides. Otherwise, have fun in Lazy River or Wave Pool.
- Angelokastro is a castle near Krini, in northwest Corfu. This old Byzantine stronghold sits on a viewpoint that reveals most of the island and beyond. For example, the views encompass Paleokastritsa below and Corfu Town and stretch as far as mainland Greece and Albania.
Short Corfu Island Guide Wrap Up
In this short Corfu Island introduction, we have mentioned a few exceptional beaches and top tourist points of interest islandwide. For additional holiday ideas, please refer to the Beaches and Attractions sections. Also, check out available tours and tickets or reach out to Top Travel and Tours for travel advice.
